On February 23, 2021 Leidos Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: LDOS), a FORTUNE 500 science and technology leader, reported financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2020 (Press release, Leidos, FEB 23, 2021, View Source [SID1234575470]).
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Roger Krone, Leidos Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented: "Fourth quarter results reflect the resilience of our growing portfolio with new record levels of revenue and backlog, coupled with margin expansion and further balance sheet optimization. This performance positions us for above-market growth in 2021, fueled by our talented diverse workforce who continue to engineer and deliver technologically innovative and secure solutions for our customers’ evolving needs."
Fourth Quarter Summary Results
Revenues for the quarter were $3.25 billion, compared to $2.95 billion in the prior year quarter, reflecting a 10.1% increase. Revenues for the quarter included $300 million and $89 million related to the acquisitions of Dynetics, Inc. ("Dynetics") and L3Harris Technologies’ security detection and automation businesses (the "SD&A Businesses"), respectively.
Operating income for the quarter was $299 million, compared to $261 million in the prior year quarter. Operating income margin increased to 9.2% from 8.8% in the prior year quarter. Non-GAAP operating margin for the quarter was 10.7%, compared to 10.5% in the prior year quarter, primarily due to favorable margin performance on certain contracts and higher margins on certain program wins.
Diluted earnings per share ("EPS") attributable to Leidos common stockholders for the quarter was $1.37, compared to $1.26 in the prior year quarter. Non-GAAP diluted EPS for the fourth quarter was $1.63 compared to $1.51 in the prior year quarter. The weighted average diluted share count for the quarter was 144 million, consistent with the prior year quarter.
Defense Solutions
Defense Solutions revenues for the quarter of $1.93 billion increased $273 million, or 16.5%, compared to the prior year quarter. The revenue growth was primarily attributable to $300 million of revenues related to the acquisition of Dynetics and program wins, partially offset by a net decrease in volumes on certain programs and the completion of certain contracts.
Defense Solutions operating income margin for the quarter was 7.6%, compared to 8.9% in the prior year quarter. On a non-GAAP basis, operating margin for the quarter was 8.9%, compared to 9.8% in the prior year quarter, primarily attributable to the release of a contract reserve in the prior year quarter, a net decrease in volumes on certain programs and the completion of certain contracts, partially offset by higher margins on certain program wins.
Civil
Civil revenues for the quarter of $811 million increased $38 million, or 4.9%, compared to the prior year quarter. The revenue growth was primarily attributable to $89 million of revenues related to the acquisition of the SD&A Businesses and program wins, partially offset by a net decrease in volumes on certain programs, including negative impacts on certain contracts due to the coronavirus pandemic ("COVID-19"), and the completion of certain contracts.
Civil operating income margin for the quarter was 11.0%, compared to 9.6% in the prior year quarter. On a non-GAAP basis, operating margin for the quarter was 12.3%, compared to 12.0% in the prior year quarter, primarily attributable to favorable product mix and higher margins on certain program wins.
Health
Health revenues for the quarter of $513 million decreased $13 million, or 2.5%, as compared to the prior year quarter. The revenue decline was primarily attributable to a net decrease in volumes on certain programs and the completion of certain contracts, partially offset by recoveries on certain programs previously delayed due to COVID-19.
Health operating income margin for the quarter was 16.8%, compared to 13.9% in the prior year quarter. On a non-GAAP basis, operating margin for the quarter was 18.5%, compared to 16.0% in the prior year quarter, primarily attributable to favorable volume and margin performance on certain contracts.
Fiscal Year 2020 Summary Results
Revenues for fiscal year 2020 were $12.30 billion, compared to $11.09 billion in the prior year, reflecting a 10.8% increase. Revenues for the fiscal year included $937 million and $243 million related to the acquisitions of Dynetics and the SD&A Businesses, respectively.
Operating income for fiscal year 2020 was $998 million, compared to $912 million in the prior year. Operating income margin for fiscal year 2020 was 8.1%, compared to 8.2% in the prior year. Non-GAAP operating margin was 10.1%, compared to 9.9% in the prior year, primarily due to a net gain recognized upon the receipt of proceeds related to the VirnetX, Inc. ("VirnetX") legal matter, higher margins on certain program wins and lower indirect expenditures due to cost reduction efforts in response to COVID-19. This was partially offset by negative impacts from reduced volume on certain contracts due to COVID-19 and a net gain recognized upon the receipt of the Greek arbitration award in the prior year.
Diluted EPS attributable to Leidos common stockholders for fiscal year 2020 was $4.36, compared to $4.60 for the prior year. Non-GAAP diluted EPS for fiscal year 2020 was $5.83, compared to $5.17 in the prior year. The diluted share count was 144 million compared to 145 million in the prior year.
Defense Solutions
Defense Solutions revenues of $7.34 billion for fiscal year 2020 increased $1.04 billion, or 16.5%, compared to the prior year. The revenue growth was primarily attributable to $937 million of revenues related to the acquisition of Dynetics, program wins and a net increase in materials volume on certain programs. This was partially offset by the completion of certain contracts and negative impacts from reduced volume on certain contracts due to COVID-19.
Defense Solutions operating income margin for fiscal year 2020 was 6.9%, compared to 7.5% in the prior year. On a non-GAAP basis, operating margin for the year was 8.2% compared to 8.5% in the prior year, primarily attributable to negative impacts from reduced volume on certain contracts due to COVID-19, partially offset by higher margins on certain program wins and lower indirect expenditures.
Civil
Civil revenues of $2.99 billion for fiscal year 2020 increased $198 million, or 7.1%, compared to the prior year. The revenue growth was primarily attributable to $243 million of revenues related to the acquisition of the SD&A Businesses and program wins. This was partially offset by the completion of certain contracts and negative impacts from reduced volume on certain contracts due to COVID-19.
Civil operating income margin for fiscal year 2020 was 9.4%, compared to 8.3% in the prior year. On a non-GAAP basis, operating margin for the year was 11.7%, compared to 10.9% in the prior year, primarily attributable to a decrease in bad debt expense and higher margins on certain program wins, partially offset by the completion of certain contracts.
Health
Health revenues of $1.96 billion for fiscal year 2020 decreased $36 million, or 1.8%, compared to the prior year. The revenue decline was primarily attributable to the timing of program execution due to COVID-19, the impact from the sale of our health staff augmentation business in the prior year and the completion of certain contracts. This was partially offset by a net increase in volumes on certain programs, program wins and the impact from our acquisition of IMX Medical Management Services, Inc. ("IMX") in the prior year.
Health operating income margin for fiscal year 2020 was 12.0%, compared to 12.1% in the prior year. On a non-GAAP basis, operating margin for the year was 14.4%, compared to 14.3% in the prior year, primarily attributable to increased volume on certain higher margin contracts, partially offset by reduced volume on certain managed service contracts with fixed cost infrastructures that were impacted by COVID-19.
Cash Flow Summary
Net cash used in operating activities for the quarter were $52 million compared to $169 million net cash provided by operating activities in the prior year quarter. The higher operating cash outflows were primarily due to the sale of accounts receivable in the prior quarter that did not recur in the current quarter and the timing of payroll payments.
Net cash used in investing activities for the quarter were $101 million compared to $54 million in the prior year quarter. The higher cash outflows were primarily due to cash paid related to the acquisition of the SD&A Businesses.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the quarter were $98 million compared to $144 million net cash used in financing activities in the prior year quarter. The higher cash inflows were primarily due to proceeds received related to the issuance of our $1.0 billion senior notes and the timing of dividend payments, partially offset by principal payments related to refinancing of outstanding debt and higher stock repurchases in the current year quarter.
Net cash provided by operating activities for the fiscal year were $1,334 million compared to $992 million in the prior year. The higher operating cash inflows were primarily due to the timing of payroll payments, including the deferral of tax payments under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act"), and the receipt of proceeds related to the VirnetX legal matter.
Net cash used in investing activities for the fiscal year were $2,815 million compared to $65 million net cash provided by investing activities in the prior year. The higher cash outflows were primarily due to net cash paid related to the acquisitions of Dynetics and the SD&A Businesses, net proceeds received in the prior year for the disposition of our commercial cybersecurity and health staff augmentation businesses and the sale of real estate properties and higher purchases of equipment and leasehold improvements associated with our new global headquarters. This was partially offset by cash paid related to the acquisition of IMX in the prior year.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the fiscal year were $1,451 million compared to $709 million net cash used in financing activities in the prior year. The increase in financing cash inflows were primarily due to proceeds received related to the refinancing and issuance of new debt and higher stock repurchases in the prior year. This was partially offset by principal repayments of outstanding debt and the retirement of the $450 million senior notes in the current year.
As of January 1, 2021, the Company had $524 million in cash and cash equivalents and $4.7 billion in debt.
New Business Awards
Net bookings totaled $3.3 billion in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020 and $17.8 billion for fiscal year 2020, representing a book-to-bill ratio of 1.0 and 1.4 for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2020, respectively.
Notable recent awards received include:
Next Generation Enterprise Network Service Management : The Company was awarded a prime contract by the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, formerly known as the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, to provide global network services under the Next Generation Enterprise Network Re-compete Service Management, Integration & Transport contract. Under the contract, Leidos will unify, operate and maintain the shore-based networks and data management for the Department of the Navy’s Program Executive Office Digital to improve capability and service under one enterprise network construct. The single award, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, firm-fixed-price and cost-plus contract has a five-year base period of performance followed by three one-year option periods, and an approximate value of $7.7 billion, if all options are exercised.
Special Operations Command Tactical Airborne Multi-Sensor Platforms Support : The Company was awarded a task order by Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground under the Responsive Strategic Sourcing for Services indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract. Under the contract, Leidos will provide pilot services, airborne sensor operators, hub and spoke operations/excursion support, staffing for the Intelligence Coordination Center, system training, logistics, aircraft and primary mission equipment maintenance and integration, configuration management and engineering support services in support of the program’s DHC- 8 and King Air 300 aircraft. The award has a total value of $649 million and includes a one-year base period of performance followed by four one-year option periods.
U.S. Intelligence Community : The Company was awarded contracts valued at $304 million, if all options are exercised, by U.S. national security and intelligence clients. Though the specific nature of these contracts is classified, they all encompass mission-critical services that help to counter global threats and strengthen national security.
The Company’s backlog at the end of fiscal year 2020 was $31.9 billion, of which $6.6 billion was funded.
Intent to Acquire Gibbs & Cox, Inc.
Consistent with Leidos strategy to add capabilities and deepen customer relationships, the Company has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Gibbs & Cox, Inc. ("Gibbs & Cox"), the largest, full-service independent engineering and design firm specializing in naval architecture and marine engineering, for $380 million in cash. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, Gibbs & Cox has 525 employees. Over its 90 plus year history, Gibbs & Cox has remained a leader in maritime innovation and is on the frontlines of providing maritime solutions. The deal extends Leidos into an attractive maritime market where Leidos is under-penetrated today, and adds valuable engineering talent (naval architects and digital engineers) to the team. It further positions Leidos for long-term growth in the maritime unmanned market – a market requiring tight integration of ship design and autonomy systems. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of fiscal year 2021, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
Forward Guidance
The Company’s outlook for fiscal year 2021, which excludes the announced acquisition of Gibbs & Cox, is as follows:
Revenues of $13.7 billion to $14.1 billion;
Adjusted EBITDA margins of 10.3% to 10.5%;
Non-GAAP diluted EPS of $6.15 to $6.45; and
Cash flows provided by operating activities at or above $850 million.
Non-GAAP diluted EPS excludes amortization of acquired intangible assets, asset impairment charges, acquisition, integration and restructuring costs, amortization of equity method investment, gain on sale of business, acquisition related financing costs, loss on debt modification and other tax adjustments. For additional information regarding non-GAAP diluted EPS and Leidos’ other non-GAAP financial measures, see the related explanations and reconciliations to GAAP measures included elsewhere in this release.
The Company does not provide a reconciliation of forward-looking adjusted EBITDA margins (non-GAAP) or non-GAAP diluted EPS to GAAP net income, due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting and quantifying certain amounts that are necessary for such reconciliation. Because certain deductions for non-GAAP exclusions used to calculate projected net income may vary significantly based on actual events, the Company is not able to forecast on a GAAP basis with reasonable certainty all deductions needed in order to provide a GAAP calculation of projected net income at this time. The amounts of these deductions may be material and, therefore, could result in projected GAAP net income and diluted EPS being materially less than projected adjusted EBITDA margins (non-GAAP) and non-GAAP diluted EPS.
COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting major economic and financial markets, and effectively all industries and governments are facing challenges, which has resulted in a period of business disruption, the length and severity of which cannot be predicted. The pandemic has resulted in significant travel restrictions, government orders to "shelter-in-place", quarantine restrictions and significant disruption of the financial markets. We have acted to protect the health and safety of our employees, comply with workplace health and safety regulations and work with our customers to minimize disruptions. The pandemic has impacted each of our groups, primarily in access to customer sites, travel restrictions, limitations of remote work and COVID-19 related costs.
Consistent with federal, state and local guidance, we perform work that is essential to support the critical infrastructure of the United States, the Defense Industrial Base and healthcare sector, and we continue to operate in support of our customers. We have taken steps to support increased teleworking and safe workplace environments. We have some minor business operations that are not designated as critical infrastructure and therefore have been required to operate in minimal conditions.
For the quarter and fiscal year 2020, COVID-19 adversely impacted revenues by approximately $12 million and $198 million, respectively, and impacted operating income by approximately $8 million and $96 million, respectively, as compared to prior year results. Within our Health segment we saw recoveries in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020 and continue to expect to see further recoveries in fiscal year 2021. Our Defense Solutions segment experienced less of a negative impact in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020 than in previous quarters. We also experienced lower indirect expenditures for fiscal year 2020 as a result of COVID-19 which partially offset the operating income impact on our programs. The full extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operational and financial performance, including our ability to execute on programs in the expected timeframe, will depend on future developments, including the duration and spread of the pandemic and the distribution and efficacy of vaccines, all of which are uncertain and cannot be predicted.
The CARES Act, which is effective until March 31, 2021, enabled us to defer payment of the employer portion of social security taxes. As of January 1, 2021, we deferred $123 million of employer social security tax payments and received $12 million from the Employee Retention Credit.
We have taken measures to protect the health and well-being of our workforce and are working with our customers to minimize the delay and disruption of the award and performance on our contracts. Many of our employees continue to work remotely while our offices remain open with limited capacity.
Conference Call Information
Leidos management will discuss operations and financial results in an earnings conference call beginning at 8 A.M. eastern on February 23, 2021. Analysts and institutional investors may participate by dialing +1 (877) 869-3847 (U.S. dial-in) or +1 (201) 689-8261 (international dial-in).
A live audio broadcast of the conference call along with a supplemental presentation will be available to the public through links on the Leidos Investor Relations website (View Source).